2021 was a busy and exciting year for us in CAV. With staff changes in the CAV-X office to a new federal infrastructure bill passed, we are excited about what 2022 will bring for Minnesota and CAV.
This month, we are excited to work with the Governor’s Advisory Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles to identify potential federal funding opportunities the state may be eligible for to ensure future transportation systems and technologies are equitable for all people in our state.
Additionally, we are hopeful that 2022 will offer many opportunities to conduct public demonstrations around our state to introduce and expose people to CAV technologies. It is important for people to understand what CAV technology is, what it is not, where the technology is today, and how it can benefit them. We look forward to having conversations throughout the state this year so we can hear a variety of ideas, concerns, and gain vital information that will help shape the future of transportation in Minnesota.
We hope to see you around the state this year, if you see us, please stop by and say hello!
Thank you,
Tara Olds
Acting Director, CAV-X
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December CAV Governor’s Advisory Council Meeting
In December, the Governor’s Advisory Council on Connected and Automated Vehicles discussed how CAV is incorporated in long-range transportation planning. They also received a report from the CAV Innovation Alliance Outreach and Education Committee. The committee co-chairs detailed their recent work on a Statewide CAV Communications, Messaging, and Engagement Plan, as well as demonstration recommendations for 2022. The recommendations include three buckets, Drive MN, Learn MN, and Shape MN. It also includes a 2-day CAV Conference and Tech Showcase.
 Drive Minnesota intended for transportation professionals, elected officials, and includes data and policy guidelines. Learn Minnesota is for the general public and builds awareness. Shape Minnesota is designed for underserved populations to discover unique community needs.
MnDOT’s CAV-X Office also provided a summary of engagement interviews conducted with the council members regarding 2022 priorities and suggestions for improvement. The meeting summary, slides, and video recording can be found in the Meetings section of the Advisory Council website. Below is the schedule for the 2022 Advisory Council meetings. To attend future meetings, access the virtual meeting link on the Advisory Council website.
- March 16, 2022 from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
- June 15, 2022 from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
- Sept. 21, 2022 from 9:00 – 11:30 a.m.
- Dec. 8, 2022 from 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
CAV Messaging and Engagement Guidance
 Steps completed to develop the CAV Messaging and Engagement guidance include peer agency and MnDOT interviews, CAV media reviews, Minnesota data analysis, statewide survey, individual interviews, stakeholder working group, and audience analysis.
A multi-year effort is resulting in new CAV Messaging and Engagement Guidance! MnDOT CAV-X and several partners are finalizing high-level guidance documents designed to help shape CAV messaging and engagement in Minnesota. The documents should be used by anyone preparing CAV-related communications and engagement as they plan and implement CAV projects or look to include CAV messaging and engagement in related projects. Included in the documents is information related to messaging goals, identifying audiences, core messaging themes, talking points, and CAV-specific guidance for engagement.
Minnesota’s three goals when it comes to CAV messaging and engagement are:
- Build knowledge of CAV technology throughout Minnesota so people have the information they need and can help shape the future of transportation in the state
- Develop two-way lasting relationships with communities, organizations, and entities to create a CAV-ready environment in Minnesota and build trust in Minnesota’s CAV Program
- Integrate Minnesota’s CAV messaging and engagement into transportation plans and projects and other related communication across partners to promote clarity, consistency, and understanding among all audiences
The following resources are being developed.
- Minnesota CAV Messaging and Engagement Guidance Document: A high-level guidance document to help include CAV messaging and engagement in CAV and other related projects
- Minnesota CAV Messaging and Talking Points Toolkit: A compilation of specific messages and talking points for project managers and other practitioners.
- Med City Mover Case Study: A real-world example of this guidance in action and lessons learned from messaging and engagement on the Med City Mover CAV demonstration project in Rochester, MN
- Minnesota CAV Messaging and Engagement Strategic Recommendations: Next steps for how Minnesota CAV partners can elevate messaging and engagement programmatically in the next one to five years
As part of the effort, 12 strategic recommendations were proposed and are being reviewed by the Governor’s Advisory Council, Innovation Alliance, and other partners. The recommendations focus on creating messaging and resources for the state, local agencies, and local partners, conducting engagement and demonstrations with diverse audiences, and working with the community and industry to involve more participants in CAV efforts.
The CAV Messaging and Engagement Guidance documents are being finalized in coordination with MnDOT, the Interagency CAV Team, and the Innovation Alliance Outreach and Education Committee. Stay tuned for published documents to be shared in the coming months.
Federal Infrastructure Bill Provides Potential Opportunities for CAV Advancements
On November 15, Congress passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) which includes an unprecedented amount of competitive grant money for USDOT to award to states. It is designed to improve outcomes in areas of carbon reduction, climate resiliency, restorative justice, and technology. Minnesota will be eligible to compete for this funding and will seek to leverage and build partner relationships to identify strong projects for grant applications as USDOT provides additional information. MnDOT is in the process of determining potential opportunities and implications the bill has on CAV and will be working with our partners in the coming months to brainstorm ideas. Look for more information in upcoming newsletters and future Governor’s Advisory Council meetings.
Snowplow Lane Boundary Guidance System Expanded for Winter
Driver-assist technology from the University of Minnesota is helping snowplow drivers stay on the road and avoid obstacles. An active research project is using GPS and connected vehicle technology to determine the position of snowplows on the road and advises the driver how to stay perfectly aligned in the lane, even in whiteout conditions.
We heard from several snowplow operators who highly praised the system saying, “The system was a godsend,” “Without the system, it would be almost nearly impossible to do the job,” and “Once you get used to using the system, it is hard to go back.” Due to popular demand, there is a snowplow equipped with lane-keeping assistance in each MnDOT district and Dakota County for the 2021-22 winter season.
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CAV in the News
Argo releases standards for how self-driving cars should act around cyclists
Argo AI, an autonomous vehicle company, released standards on how its vehicles are expected to interact with cyclists. Previously, Argo technology did not specifically recognize cyclists. Bike advocacy groups pushed AV companies, including Argo, to address interactions with cyclists. Argo worked with bicycle groups to better understand typical cyclist behavior and six standards were identified.
- Cyclists should be a distinct object class
- Typical cyclist behavior should be expected
- Map cycling infrastructure and local laws
- The system should act in consistent, understandable, and extra safe manner around cyclists
- Prepare for uncertain situations and proactively slow down
- Continue to test cycling scenarios
Upcoming Events
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Minnesota Transportation Conference – Date Change
- Re-scheduled for May 17-19, 2022 in the Saint Paul RiverCentre. One focus of the event is emerging technologies (BIM, CAV-X, 3-D design, Surveying, etc.). The CAV-X office will be presenting on a variety of topics, including connected vehicles, the autonomous shuttle program, and the Autonomous Truck Mounted Attenuator (ATMA) project.
Visit: www.mndot.gov/automated/
MnDOT invites and encourages participation by all. If you need an ASL, a foreign language interpreter, or other reasonable accommodation, or need documents in an alternative format (such as braille or large print), please email your request to Janet Miller at ADArequest.dot@state.mn.us or call 651-366-4720.
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